Outdoor living space can make for a great investment. It’ll allow you to effectively expand your home during summer, providing you with an extra living room or home office. To get the best from the garden or summer-house, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve equipped it with a few key items. Let’s take a look at some of the most important, and what you should be looking for when you come to budget.
Comfortable Seating
If you aren’t comfortable in your outdoor living space, then it stands to reason that you won’t get much use out of it. As such, the right seating should be considered a crucial investment. Ideally, you’ll have a variety of different sorts of seating in order to accommodate everyone. You might go for a hanging egg chair, as well as a sofa next to a table.
For the most part, your choice will be between different kinds of material. Rattan furniture tends to be long-lasting, reliably attractive and recyclable. Aluminium-frame furniture has a distinct contemporary aesthetic, even if it is lightweight enough to be damaged. Stainless steel and wrought-iron furniture tends to be more rugged, although it does retain heat when left in direct sunlight, and it’s difficult to rearrange when the fancy takes you.
You’ll want to make sure that you equip your seating with the right cushions. Here’s where you’ll need to look for waterproof covers – since you don’t want to be bringing cushions in and out of the rain every day.
Outdoor Table
If you’re going to be hosting guests, or using your outdoor space for dining, then you’ll want a suitable table – and ideally one that matches with your seating. Again, you’ll have a choice of several different sorts of material. Ideally, you’ll pick up a table that provides enough space for all of your guests, without dominating the space. You might also think about tables which incorporate extra features, like iceboxes and firepits.
Choose high-quality outdoor furniture, like a table made from durable materials. Teak is naturally resistant to water, insects, and decay, aging beautifully over time with minimal maintenance. On the other hand, aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, suitable for all-weather use. It is important to consider the design, functionality, and size of the table to complement your outdoor space and accommodate your seating needs. Look for features like umbrella holes or extension mechanisms for added convenience.
Appropriate Lighting
The lights that you use in your outdoor space will allow you to keep using it long into the night – which can be great if you’re going to be making use of the space well into autumn. Go for a combination of standing and hanging lights. You might drape fairy lights around taller structures like trellises. Pendant lighting for outdoors is affordable and often spectacular – so make sure that yours looks the part!
Storage Spaces
You might find that you’re using certain items outdoors which you don’t want to store indoors. You can get clever and incorporate your storage into (or beneath) your outdoor furniture. Footstools, chairs and coffee tables might all provide the space to accommodate your tools and outdoor play equipment.
Other Tips
Integrate fire pits or outdoor fireplaces for warmth and ambiance, choosing styles that align with the overall design. Incorporate landscaping with plants and greenery suitable for the local climate. Define different areas with outdoor rugs made from weather-resistant materials.
Consider entertainment options such as outdoor sound systems or TVs, ensuring they are designed for outdoor use. Invest in stylish storage solutions to protect outdoor items during inclement weather, and maximize space with multi-functional furniture.
Enhance the atmosphere with water features, and install retractable screens or curtains for weather protection. Add personal touches through decorative elements like outdoor art, sculptures, or unique accessories that reflect your style. In essence, a successful outdoor living space blends comfort and style while accommodating the specific demands of the outdoor environment.
1
Leave a Reply